Ascend - The Great Books Podcast: Episode Summary Title: The Odyssey Book Twenty-Four: Peace with Roundtable Discussion Release Date: December 17, 2024

Introduction

In this culminating episode of the Ascend - The Great Books Podcast, hosts Deacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan, along with guests Dr. Frank Grabowski, Thomas Lackey, and David Niles, delve into Book 24 of Homer's The Odyssey. Titled "Peace with Roundtable Discussion," this episode serves as the grand finale of their "Year of Homer," exploring the intricate themes, character dynamics, and philosophical underpinnings of the epic's conclusion.

Book 24 Overview

Book 24 intricately weaves the fates of various characters post-Trojan War. Deacon Harrison (00:00) outlines the passage where Hermes escorts the souls of the suitors to Hades, leading them to the fields of Asphodel. Here, they encounter legendary figures like Achilles and Agamemnon, who engage in dialogues praising Odysseus and his wife, Penelope. Simultaneously, Odysseus returns to his estate in Ithaca, testing his father, Laertes, before revealing his true identity.

Back in Ithaca, the deaths of the suitors trigger unrest among their families. Eupithes, the father of Antinous, incites vengeance against Odysseus. However, Medon the bard and a local prophet intervene, attributing Odysseus's success to divine aid and criticizing the suitors' families for their cowardice. Ultimately, Athena mediates peace between the factions, with Zeus endorsing a truce to restore harmony in Ithaca.

Iliad vs. Odyssey: A Raw Take

The discussion begins with the guests sharing their preferences between Homer's Iliad and Odyssey.

• David (04:38): Initially found the Iliad "boring and strange" until a deeper group reading revealed its personal insights, leading him to prefer it over the Odyssey.

• Adam (06:42): Experienced a similar shift, initially disappointed by both epics but grew to appreciate the Iliad more profoundly over time.

• Thomas Lackey (08:18): Aligns closely with Adam, noting the Odyssey feels quicker and less ruminated upon compared to the Iliad, though he believes the Odyssey harbors deeper thematic layers when given time.

• Dr. Frank Grabowski (09:28): Views the Iliad and Odyssey as inseparable units essential for understanding each other, citing thematic continuities like Arete (excellence) and Xenia (hospitality).

• Deacon Harrison (11:20): Prefers the Iliad for its character contrasts, especially between Achilles and Hector, appreciating its straightforwardness over the complex internal struggles of Odysseus.

Exploring Key Themes

The roundtable delves into several perennial themes central to both epics:

• Arete (Excellence): The pursuit of human excellence is examined, particularly through Achilles's combat prowess contrasted with Hector's piety and familial devotion.

• Divine Intervention and Justice: The role of gods like Athena and Zeus in human affairs raises questions about divine will versus human agency. Dr. Grabowski (13:43) posits that Zeus's proclamation about human culpability over divine interference reflects a nuanced critique of divine justice.

• Cycle of Violence: Thomas Lackey (15:41) highlights the cyclical nature of vengeance portrayed in Homer's works, posing questions about humanity's capacity to break free from endless retaliation.

• Fatherhood and Family: The profound relationships between fathers and sons—Odysseus and Telemachus, Odysseus and Laertes—underscore themes of legacy, restoration, and the intergenerational transmission of virtues.

Character Dynamics and Critiques

The discussion intricately analyzes character actions and their symbolic meanings:

• Odysseus's Testing of Laertes (53:26): The act of testing his father is unsettling to some guests, highlighting Odysseus's inherent mistrust and the strained dynamics of reuniting after prolonged absence. Dr. Grabowski (57:39) suggests that this encounter serves as an opportunity for mutual recognition and healing, rather than mere interrogation.

• Agamemnon's Praise of Odysseus (27:37): Deacon Harrison and Thomas Lackey explore the sincerity and context of Agamemnon's commendation, noting potential biases due to his own tragic end and contrasting relationships with wives (Clytemnestra vs. Penelope).

• Athena's Mediation (34:55): The role of Athena as an intercessor and peacekeeper is scrutinized, particularly her push for collective amnesia among Ithacans to halt further vengeance.

Analysis of Book 24’s Ending

A central point of contention is the episode's ending, perceived by some as a deus ex machina resolution:

• Lackluster Closure: Deacon Harrison (87:54) and Adam (87:54) express disappointment with the abrupt peace brokered by Zeus, feeling it lacks substantive resolution and leaves lingering philosophical questions about justice and divine intervention.

• Comparisons to Later Traditions: The panel contrasts the Odyssey's ending with works like Aeschylus's Oresteia, which addresses justice through human agency and philosophical discourse, offering a more satisfying exploration of vengeance and reconciliation.

• Zeus's Decree (80:00): The divine mandate for peace, juxtaposed with earlier proclamations about human responsibility, invites debate on the consistency and significance of divine authority in achieving societal harmony.

Takeaways and Insights

The guests share their key takeaways from the year-long exploration of Homer:

• Appreciation for Homer as a Teacher: Recognizing Homer’s role in posing essential human questions without providing definitive answers, fostering ongoing intellectual and philosophical conversations.

• Understanding of Human Nature and Divine Influence: Acknowledging the interplay between human agency and divine intervention in shaping destinies and societal structures.

• Reflection on Justice and Vengeance: Grappling with the ethical implications of revenge-driven justice systems and the possibility of transcending inherent cycles of violence.

• Fatherhood and Legacy: Emphasizing the restorative power of familial bonds and the importance of legacy in maintaining societal and personal virtues.

Notable Quotes

Throughout the discussion, several poignant quotes encapsulate the panel's insights:

• Deacon Harrison (00:00): "Everyone is a disciple of someone... We enter a 'great conversation' amongst the most learned, intelligent humans in history and benefit from their insights."

• David (04:38): "I found the Iliad to be boring and strange... but this time, having read it in our group and gone through with a slow read, I found the Iliad much more entertaining."

• Dr. Frank Grabowski (09:28): "It's impossible to understand the Iliad without reading the Odyssey, and vice versa. Both poems address the issue of arete... the relationship between the gods and mortals."

• Deacon Harrison (11:20): "My biggest takeaway is in the Iliad, the contrast between Achilles and Hector and the question of what is arete, human excellence."

• Adam (17:52): "Reading them with other people... was very enriching and really pushed me intellectually."

Conclusion

As the Ascend - The Great Books Podcast wraps up its "Year of Homer," the panel reflects on the enduring legacy of Homer's epics in shaping Western thought and philosophical inquiry. While some guests express reservations about the epics' resolutions and character portrayals, the overarching consensus underscores Homer's mastery in posing deep, perennial questions about human nature, excellence, and justice. Looking forward, the podcast plans to bridge Homer's narratives with Greek tragedy and philosophical dialogues, continuing the exploration of foundational texts that have profoundly influenced Western civilization.

Join the Conversation: For listeners looking to engage further, the podcast invites readers to continue exploring the Iliad and Odyssey through their study guides available on thegreatbookspodcast.com. Future episodes will delve into Greek tragedies and Plato's dialogues, continuing the exploration of great texts that shape our understanding of humanity and the divine.

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This summary encapsulates the rich discussion and critical analysis presented in the podcast episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened while highlighting the depth and intellectual engagement characteristic of the Ascend - The Great Books Podcast.